A Comparative Study of Nutritional Status of Orphans Participating and not Participating in School Feeding Programmes in Kariobangi, Kenya

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Abstract

The Millennium Development Goals highlights Malnutrition as one of the pnonty
development issues under its framework of which malnutrition remains an important
public health concern in the developing world especially Kenya (MDGs, 2008).
Nutritional status and nutritional food security are a priority as malnutrition is a risk
factor for morbidity and mortality, poor cognitive development and reduced productivity
(Black, Allen, Bhutta, et al., 2008; Grantham-McGregor, Cheung, Cueto, et al., 2007).
The aim of the study was to compare the nutritional status of orphans participating in a
school feeding programme and that of orphans not participating in such a programme.
The study was a cross-sectional comparative survey carried out in Kariobangi location,
Korogocho slum. The population under investigation comprised of 7 schools in
Kariobangi location, 3 of which were in the school feeding programme and 4 of which
were not. A sample size of 160 orphans aged between 5 to 10 years was determined.
Sampling techniques were a combination of purposive sampling and simple random
sampling techniques. The research instrument was a questionnaire and an interview
schedule. Data was analysed using SPSS, nutrisurvey and anthro plus computer packages.
The dependent variable was nutritional status measured by indexes, height for age, BMI
for age, and underweight. The findings of the study revealed that school feeding
programme had a higher proportion of malnourished children (underweight 20.3%, low
Body mass Index for age 16.5% and stunting 19.2%) than the non school feeding
programme (underweight 5%, Low Body Mass Index for age 10%, and stunting 20%)
although only the low BMI for age was significantly different for the two groups at
P<0.05. Calorific intake was inadequate in many of the orphans in both groups but more
orphans in the non school feeding group were meeting the recommended dietary
allowances for most nutrients compared to those in the school feeding group. Majority of
school feeding programme group (61.4%) consumed foods of medium dietary diversity
score while majority of non-school feeding programme (61%) consumed foods of high
dietary diversity score.( significant at P<0.05).The levels of morbidity in terms of
cold/cough and fever were significantly higher in non-school feeding programme
compared to the school feeding programme. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed
that orphans who stayed for a short time without their mothers were less likely to be
underweight in the school feeding programme (OR: 0.78 CI 0.64- 0.94 P=O.013) and
stunted in the non- school feeding programme (OR=0.72 CI 0.59-0.58 P= 0.00) than
those who had stayed for a long time. In terms of low body mass index for age, orphans
in the school feeding programme who consumed diets of few food groups were
significantly thinner compared to those who had consumed foods of many food
groups.(OR= 2.15 CI 1.04-61.32 p=0.046). The study recommended diversification of
food within the schools offering feeding programmes through urban farming of
vegetables and poultry within the school compound. The Ministry of Education and
partners like WFP and others NGOs with interest in school going children need to enlarge
the scope of school feeding programme in Kariobangi. It is also necessary to carry out a
longitudinal study on the impact of school feeding programmes on orphans